Ontario police leaders want Ontarians to donate licence plate sticker refunds to Ukraine

Police chiefs across Ontario are asking people to donate their licence plate renewal refund to a new fundraising effort for victims of the war in Ukraine.

The initiative, called #ValTags4Ukraine, will enable the Canadian Red Cross to respond to humanitarian needs in Canada as they arise for people displaced due to the war, The Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police said in a statement. It will officially launch next week, with donations accepted via the Red Cross' website.

The Ontario government announced last month that owners of registered vehicles would receive a refund of up to $240 for licence plate sticker fees paid between March 1, 2020, and March 12, 2022. Passenger vehicles, light-duty trucks, motorcycles and mopeds are included. Legislation coming this spring is expected to lift future fees.

As we continue to see the horrible events in Ukraine unfold, police leaders in Ontario feel that we can provide Ontarians with a unique way to support the victims of this tragic conflict," wrote Jeff McGuire, the association's executive director. If we can get 1 per cent of Ontarians receiving these refunds to redirect the funds to this program, we will raise $10 million. These funds will make a great Canadian difference to these victims."

Services to be provided will evolve over time, the organization said, but may include support for immediate and ongoing basic needs, referral services, financial support, psychosocial support, grants for community organizations and helping displaced people connect with their loved ones, the organization said. Once donations can be accepted, donors will instantly receive an electronic tax receipt.